15 Southern Retirement Towns Where $2,500 a Month Covers Everything

In 2026, the average Social Security benefit for a retired person is projected to be around $2,071 per month for singles or $3,208 per month for couples, up slightly from the year before — so choosing a town where total monthly expenses come in at $2,500 or less can make that income go a long way toward a comfortable retirement.

That's why many retirees set their sights on the South, drawn by its warmer weather, tax-friendly policies, and generally lower cost of living. These towns stand out for having the amenities retirees want without going over budget.

Editor's note: All rental and mortgage data pulled from Zillow and Apartments.com unless otherwise noted. Prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Average Rent: $1,019

Average Home Price: $223,947

The cost of living is 7% below the national average in Baton Rouge, while property taxes are 30% below the national average. It'll be easy to keep both your body and brain active here, as nearby Louisiana State University has a lifelong learning program for adults 50 and older, and outdoor activities are abundant.

There's a diverse mix of cultures and cuisines in Baton Rouge to enjoy in your golden years as well.

Average Rent: $961

Average Home Price: $226,136

Biloxi is famous for its white-sand beaches and casino culture, but this shrimping city is also diverse in culture and cuisine. Retirees appreciate the Southern hospitality, overall low cost of living, and annual Mardi Gras festivities.

Close proximity to both Biloxi Regional Medical Center and Gulfport Memorial Hospital is also convenient for tending to any healthcare needs.

Average Rent: $1,182

Average Home Price: $133,465

Anchored by the University of Alabama (and its top-rated hospital), Birmingham has ranked highly on lists of U.S. cities to retire in. About 18% of residents are 65 or older, and the downtown area boasts plenty of quirky shops and restaurants.

The cost of living in Birmingham is 9% below the national average, making it far easier to stretch your fixed income.

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Average Rent: $1,242

Average Home Price: $247,861

Located in Georgia's gorgeous Golden Isles, this harbor town embraces a waterfront way of life. Brunswick's downtown features historic buildings, while a steady calendar of family-friendly festivals keeps the community lively.

Despite its coastal appeal, Brunswick has a cost of living over 8% lower than the national average for those seeking a more affordable retirement by the water.

Average Rent: $1,151

Average Home Price: $224,287

South Carolina's capital is known for being affordable, tax-friendly for retirees, and home to Coca-Cola. Soda City has multiple colleges, with some offering free tuition for older adults, and the Synchronous Fireflies Viewing Event should be on everyone's bucket list.

Multiple festivals, like St. Pat's in Five Points, keep Columbia active year-round.

Average Rent: $1,163

Average Home Price: $285,783

With ample senior centers and an established retirement community, Hickory is welcoming to older adults. Live music and community meetups are common and easy to find. The Catawba County Park System and River Greenway promise great outdoor recreation.

The cost of living in Hickory is 6% below the national average in tax-friendly North Carolina.

Average Rent: $806

Average Home Price: $235,779

Hot Springs draws residents thanks to its mix of outdoor appeal and small-city energy. Gorgeous lakes, historic bathhouses, blooming gardens, and a walkable downtown do as well, while public art, galleries, and a growing craft beer scene encourage stimulation.

Living costs come in about 7% under the national average, with reasonably priced housing the main reason.

Average Rent: $1,109

Average Home Price: $253,837

Jacksonville makes our list thanks to its burgeoning culinary scene, lovely beaches (especially Topsail Beach and Emerald Isle), and warm climate. Affordability is another big reason, as the cost of living is just under the national average. Housing, in particular, tends to skew less than the national average.

Nearby military facilities make the area especially friendly for retired veterans.

Average Rent: $1,000

Average Home Price: $218,713

Lafayette has received high marks for being hospitable for multigenerational living, including older adults. Housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are more affordable here than the national average.

For culture, Mardi Gras season brings plenty of festivals in a city with a proud Cajun/Creole heritage. Live music and delicious food are never hard to find.

Average Rent: $1,112

Average Home Price: $253,696

Bourbon City is known for being LGBTQ+ friendly and welcoming to diverse populations. It has restaurants and bars with cuisine that has put it on the map for foodies, including James Beard nominees. Louisville also ranks on many "best cities to retire" lists thanks to a high quality of life.

All of this, and the cost of living is 7% below the national average.

Average Rent: $1,295

Average Home Price: $255,865

Several colleges anchor Lynchburg, giving it an academic vibe along with resources and opportunities for older adults. The Blue Ridge Mountains keep folks active, and a welcoming community keeps folks social. Plenty of small businesses cater to residents' needs.

Affordability has given Lynchburg attention for being a great place to retire, especially for housing costs.

Average Rent: $1,028

Average Home Price: $141,489

With a cost of living 10% under the national average in every nearly category, Memphis is extremely affordable. Baptist Memorial Hospital and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare provide good health services, while community centers help bring older adults together.

Retirees can enjoy live music on famous Beale Street in a city where festivals are common.

Average Rent: $1,008

Average Home Price: $188,099

Live out your dream beach retirement on the Gulf Shores of Mobile, along with all of the boating and seafood that entails. Mobile also lays claim to being the birthplace of Mardi Gras as opposed to New Orleans, so festival culture promises to entertain. A significant 16% of the population is 65 and up.

The cost of living is also 8% lower than the national average.

Average Rent: $750

Average Home Price: $112,629

The most affordable place on our list, the cost of living in Natchez is a whopping 10% under the national average. That affordability plus low taxes, accessible health care, and thriving culture have earned it a spot on several "best places to retire" lists.

Residents look forward to a yearly balloon festival and golf tournament, in addition to frequent markets and gatherings.

Average Rent: $991

Average Home Price: $202,495

Valdosta promises retirees a relaxed pace with serious Southern charm, including large oak trees that are iconic in the region. Its walkable downtown has shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, while Valdosta State University adds character. It also hosts Learning in Retirement programming to help keep more mature minds sharp and engaged.

The cost of living is 8% below the national average, with only utilities costing slightly higher.

Retiring on a budget doesn't have to mean compromising on your quality of life. These Southern towns have lower housing costs, manageable expenses, and appealing amenities that make it easier to live well on $2,500 a month.

In addition to being a smart money move for seniors, retiring in these Southern towns means there's less snow to shovel and fewer windshields to defrost. That, plus the guaranteed Southern hospitality, promises a retirement that's enjoyable and easygoing.